US Open Golf Tournament and Real Estate!

This weekend is the culmination of the US Open golf tournament at Bethpage Black in New York.  Coincidentally, it is also the culmination of a three property open house in Northwood Pointe, Irvine!

You like how I slipped that in? Well, golf and real estate have a lot in common:

1. You must have a lot of patience

2. It is a slow, oongterm commitment - both to learn and for a single game

3. The green fees and real estate, always go up!

4. One decision to go for the flag could be disasterous or it could win the game

5. Best of all, it can be the most enjoyable experience of your life!

I urge you to take some time out of your US Open Golf Tournament watching and take a tour of the following great open houses:

1. 7 Bristlecone in the gated community of Tremaine in Northwood Pointe.  This location is less than 50 yards to award winning Canyon View Elementary school and features 4 bedrooms (one currently used as a loft), 2.5 bathrooms in almost 2,200 square feet.  The yard features a lap pool and lush landscaping.  Upgrades include travertine flooring, custom paint, a view deck off the secondary bedrooms, and double door entry - this is very rare for any home under 4,000 square feet.  Open 12 to 4PM.  Offered at $849,000.

2. 2 Mahogany in the guard gated community of Trailwood is the award winning Taylor Woodrow development featuring the classic Craftsman style much like the classic Pasadena neighborhoods.  This specific home features 5 bedrooms, with one guest suite downstairs and 4 bedrooms upstairs.  The master suite features a retreat on one side and a gym or office off the bathroom.  With almost 3,500 square feet, this home offers plenty of rooom along with an intimate atmosphere.  The corner lot offers privacy and an extra large yard.  Open 12 to 4PM.  Offered at $1,599,000

3. 29 Plumeria in the gated Standard Pacific development of Arbor Crest sits at the top of the development with a grand view of the Irvine Ranch’s famous Eucalyptus trees and a mountain view of the outskirts of the Cleveland National Forest.  With almost 4,300 square feet and a unique three car side by side garage, this 5 bedrooms with an office, gives tremendous flexibility.  The backyard features a custom built-in BBQ, spa and Koi pond. Open from 12 to 4PM.  Offered at $1,599,000.

So take a break from golf and visit the area that could being you your greatest return on your investment in the world; even more than the cabbage patch dolls you bought in the 1980s!

Go to www.NorthwoodPointeIrvine.com or www.MichaelDunn.com for more information.

Mike

Posted: June 21st, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

Top Google Searches and Real Estate!

Did you know that you can find out what the top searches are on the Internet for each day?  Yes, it is amazing.  You can find out what the whole world is looking for.  What does this mean?

Well, it gives an insight into trends and what people are looking for.  Some are looking for American Idol reuslts, others are looking for the latest Hollywood gossip and still others search for sports scores.

In the past year I have only seen 4 or 5 days where real estate was in the top 20 searches.  This amazes me because with the market DOWN, you would think people’s searches for real estate would be UP!  This is the time to buy; when the market is in a lull or correction.  Too often people go with the latest trends and they miss out on opportunities.

Well, if you are one of the few who is ready to make a commitment, here is where you should buy:  www.NorthwoodPointeIrvine.com and www.ThePelicanEstates.com . Why you ask?  Here are my reasons for Northwood Pointe in Irvine:

1. Best schools by location and educational levels.  National Blue Ribbon award winning Canyon View Elementary and Northwood High Schools are the best in the state.  Better yet, they are less than one mile from the farthest house in Northwood Pointe.

2. Most supportive neighbors in Irvine.  Northwood Pointe has the strongest PTA and neighborhood association I have ever seen.  They are reasonable; not Nazi like as many associations are.  Each year they host a variety of community events ranging from the Harvest Festivale, Winters Snow Party at the Park, Summer movie nights at Meadowood Park, Community Fundraisers and community garage sales.

3. Northwood Pointe also has some of greatest amenities in the world featuring the Citrus Glen Tennis Center with 4 regulation tennis courts, water fountains and bathroom facilities, Meadowood Park featuring sand volleyball, full court basketball, BBQ areas, soccer and baseball fields, Meadowood Park Swim Center - home of the Northwood Flash Swim Team, Trailwood Park and swimming facility, and of course access to the world famous and OC Mararthon route, Hicks Canyon Trail.

Prices here range from the high $200,000 for attached townhomes to close to $2M for 5,500 square feet semi-custom mansions.  You can go to www.NorthwoodPointeIrvine.com to see the floor plans.

The other area to invest in is custom home communities of Pelican Hill, Pelican Crest and Pelican Point.  These three guard gated communities contain a veritable Who’s Who list of the greatest business, entrepreneurs and CEOs of the world.  They also host some of the most spectacular custom built homes in the world. 

www.ThePelicanEstates.com will give you a virtual tour and an idea of how amzing this area is.  I can hear you asking how much?  This nis not for the faint at heart or faint in the pocket book . . . prices here range from the low $4M to well over $50M.  The good news is that at the peak of the market it was impossible to get in under $6M, so you will have some instant equity.

More later . . . 949-533-2581.

Posted: June 15th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

Special Agent Oso versus Special Agent Dunn!

I am sure if you are a parent, you ahve discovered Special Agent Oso on the Disney Channel.  Another Disney phenomenon is about to take over the world!

Basically, Special Agent Oso was created by Ford Riley, Special Agent Oso follows a lovable stuffed panda who is training as an agent with United Network for Investigating Quite Usual Events (Unique), an institution dedicated to helping children perform well in day-to-day tasks such as homework and cleaning up their rooms.

Now what about Special Agent Dunn?  He does basically the same thing for adults.  He is dedictaed to helping adults perform the daily tasks that will help increase the value of the homes they already have and help them save a lot of money on the homes they are looking to buy.  He also helps them clean up their rooms, especially when a potential buyer is looking at their house!

Special Agent Dunn has been training in the real estate business for over 10 years now.  Why do I say training?  Because one never really masters anything; one is always learning.  Especially in the current market, there is so much to learn and to be creative about.  Short sales, REOs, foreclosures, loan modifications and “regular sales”.  I put regular sales in quotes because nothing is regular, it just comes closer than others.

The main thing to remember is to find the house you want in the neighborhood you wnat and not get too greedy.  By that i mean, buyers in todays market are looking for really deep discounts and as a result miss out on decent deals.  Rememebr, today you are getting a house for at least 30% UNDER waht the peak was selling for.   In 10 years, you will have that 30% in equity!

We can talk specifics when you call me at 949-533-2581 or send an e-mail to Mike@MichaelDunn.com and visit two of the best areas to live www.NorthwoodPointeIrvine.com and www.ThePelicanEstates.com

Best wishes,

Mike

Posted: June 13th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant and Real Estate!

Last Thursday night, I went to see the Los Angeles Lakers play the Orlando Magic in game on eof the NBA basketball finals.  It was a very exciting scene; celebrities everywhere, young basketball fans trying to get a glimpse of their favorite players, former NBA greats coming to reunite and share old stories.

The energy level was at a picth fever.  My seats were about 15 feet from the court and I was like a ten year old watching all the action.  Besides being so close to the court, I could also HEAR the action.  On one particular play, Andrew Bynum was called for a foul on Dwight Howard and he let loose a selected adjective.

I was amazed at the physicality of the action.  It looked like the players were crashing into one another at every turn and the referees just let them play.  The two things that really struck me, were:

1. The ebb and flow of the game and momentum.  It was as if a choreographed play were unfolding before me.  At first it seemed like chaos, with players weaving in and out and looking for an open player.  At second glance, every player was attempting to fullfill his role.  Guards were directing the plays, centers and forwards were setting screens.

2. Kobe Bryant.  It is unusual to have one player stand out from the rest in the midst of so many top players, but when you watch Kobe Bryant in isolation (if you ever go to a game, watch him for several sequences without looking at other players), you notice that he sees the bigger pictures, much like a director sees a scene in a movie. 

Bryant directed players to certain spots and told them where to go.  He was furious on the defensive end and altered several shots from opposing players.  He also kept the officials honest by pointing out several missed calls.  What we did not see, was Bryants preparation before the game.  This, in every sport, is the key to success.  The public rarely sees this part of the game, but it is the part of the game which makes ALL the difference.

I urge you, even if it is on TV, watch Kobe Bryant play and watch him during several sequences to see the passion and the urgency he exhibits in his play.  This brings me to real estate. 

Real estate requires diligent preparation and research.  It also requires the buyer to have his or her major wants at the top of the list.  Too often, buyers dismiss a property over relatively small issues.  Keep the big picture in mind.  Examples of the big picture are:  1. School district, 2. Location to parks and amenities, 3. Floor plan desirability.

The reason for these top three, are that they are the hardest to change.  Carpet and paint are easily changed and should not prevent you from making a purchase.  Also, do not let a few thousand dollars get in the way of making a great long term investment.  Let’s assume you put an offer on a house that is priced at $1,000,000.  The last sale was $975,000 and the market is flat.  Let’s also assume you are going to live in the area for at least 10 years.  The extra 2.5% ($25,000), you will be paying will disappear 10 years from now.  What will not disappear will be the excellent schools and the amazing neighborhood you will experience.

www.NorthwoodPointeIrvine.com is one of those unique neighborhoods which give you all these positive amenities.  Some expamples of amazing homes available are as follows:

1. Gated 5 beds, 2.5 baths in 3,600 square feet for $1,399,000

2. Gated 71 New Dawn with 5 beds plus a bonus, 4.5 baths in 4,600 square feet for $1,749,000

3. Guard gated 2 Mahogany with 5 beds, 4.5 baths in almsot 3,500 square feet for $1,599,000

4. Guard gated 15 Spring Grove with 5 beds, 4.5 baths in almost 3,800 square feet - pool and spa - for $1,399,000

5. Guard gated 3 Shadowglen with 5 beds plus office, 4.5 baths in almost 3,700 square feet for $1,399,000

6. Gated 50 yards to award winning Canyon View Elementary school with 4 beds, 2.5 baths in almost 2,200 square feet for $699,000.

Go to www.MichaelDunn.com to get specific details on these properties.  In the meantime, watch Kobe Bryant play and you will not only learn about basketball but more importantly, you will see what a burning desire can result in.

Enjoy.

Mike

Posted: June 7th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

Rock and Roll Marathon and Real Estate!

Today is the Rock and Roll Marathon and I have several friends running in it.  The reason I am choosing this as my blog subject today is because it is a microscosm of how real estate investing can be.

When we think of running a marathon, our feelings range from sweaty palms to paralyzing fear.  Some people feel the same way about real estate, especially the past 2 years.  Some marathon runners just want to be able to run the whole distance without stopping and are not concerned about their time.  Others train religiously, or atheistically (need to keep this Blog high on the Political Correctness scale), for 6 months keeping careful records of their improvement.

Still others stay out late the night before and make it a social event.  Real estate in the past 10 years has been treated the same way.  Some are up late at night watching Carleton Sheets or other real estate “gurus” and decide to “throw” some money into the pot.  Others are looking for a house to build a family in and still others meticulously research rents to find the best investment.

Well, from a performance perspective, which one of these groups will do best?  Yes, the ones who meticulously train and reserach, will get the best returns.  Now ever now and then -in the marathon -, one will stumble and twist an ankle, but if you have done yuour training, your injury will be minimal and you will be able to handle the iunjury.  In real estate, the same holds true; if you have measured all the options and are prepared for a downturn, you will be able to weather the cycle.

One of my friends who is running today has trained and stuck by a regimented program and is ready to set a new personal record.  If a banana peel finds its way on the course, she will be ready for it.  The runners who stayed out late drinking Martinis, will perhaps not see the banana peel and will be out of the race quickly.

This brings up another point, the “race” is only a race if you chosse it to be.  You can be in excellent physical condition and not have to win the race.  Just showing up is the key not only in the marathon but in real estate as well.  Once you show up, the energy will get your adrenaline going.  Even if you can only afford a $100,000 condo, buy it and hold it.  The key is to get it.

Now, once you make the commitment to run or to buy real estate, you have a responsibility to yourself.  This means you must us all your intelligence and fortitude to make the right decision.  This is where I come in.

As both a student and a practitioner of real estate (I sell it and buy it), you must use my experinece and opinions to help you make a sound decision.

To make things easy for you, just click on the following:  www.MichaelDunn.com or www.NorthwoodPointeIrvine.com or www.ThePelicanEstates.com . 

Or just call me at 949-533-2581 and HELP ME TO HELP YOU!

Best wishes,

Mike

Posted: May 31st, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

Susan Boyle, Memorial Day and Real Estate!

This morning I woke up early ready to meet my Father, Ensign First Class Robert Dunn of the Unites States Navy, Class of 1943 . . . or my Dad!  It is a special day today for not only my father and all the veterans who have served to protect us and our amazing way of life, but for you and I!  We are the recipients of their sacrifice and it amazes me why they only get one day.  Every day should be Memorial Day; in fact all veterans sould have memorial Day off and WE, who did NOT serve, should work.

Yesterday, I spoke of Memorial Day, but wanted to add more today, since Memorial Day is today. 

I also wanted to say something about Susan Boye, the British lady who has stirred the Earth’s imagination thru the British TV show “Britain’s Got Talent”.  For those of you who do not know, she is the singer who did an amazing job singing “I Dream a Dream”.  Do you know why she has become such a sensation?  Are you ready?

Well, it because she is NOT sexy or glamourous!  To Miss Boyle, please accept my apologies.  But in a world where tall blondes with “performance enhanced” body parts are worshipped, Miss Boyle stands apart because of her talent.  No do not missunderstand, there are many beautiful people who are equally talented, but Miss Boyle has arrived just in time.  Here is why:

Real Estate!  Yes, real estate.  Think about it.  The past two years, real estate has not been the sexiest investment around.  But in reality, it is.  You see, we tend to jump on things when it becomes popular or because it is “sexy”, but now, when prices are down up to 50% in some places, is the time to invest.  When you are driving around on your way to work or to buy groceries, have you noticed that small condo building on the corner?  Yes, the one that has the sort of beige indescript color and the 12 yearl old car in front.  Well, my friends, the owner of that building gets about 50 percent return on his investment . . . EVERY MONTH! 

Like Susan Boyle, this building is not sexy or been “artificially enhanced”.  It just plain has talent!  In a talent show, you must be able to hit the notes as a singer.  In real estate, you must have cash flow or appreciation in order to win.

What I like about Susan Boyle is that she inspires people who otherwise would not think of themselves as having talent.  This is my goal with not only my blog but with my business in general.  ANYONE, can become a real estate investor and be succesful.  You just have to take that leap of faith. 

Whether you live in Austin-Texas, Bluffton-South Carolina or Irvine-California, you will be able to find great real estate investments.  So practice that yodelling and hitting that C note because if you take that leap of faith, you will be singing to high Heaven when you see your reale state investment pay you dividends. 

If you want further details, go to www.MichaelDunn.com , click on “Search MLS” and you will see what is available.  Or go to www.NorthwoodPointeIrvine.com for one of the greatest family neighborhoods on Earth.  If you are looking for the best custom homes and sites, go to www.ThePelicanEstates.com.

Or call me at 949-533-2581.

Mike

Posted: May 25th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

Indy 500, Memorial Day and Real Estate!

This weekend is the beginning of much activity.  We have the Indy 500, the first weekend of the summer season and Memorial Day. 

This weekend has different meanings for different people.  To sports fans, it means time to relax and either play or watch their sports on TV.  To college students, it may mean graduation and time to go party and celebrate their end of school year.  To others who have served their nation, it is time to visit friends and family and be honored for their service.

For me, it is a combination.  Yesterday, I held open houses on my lsitings in www.NorthwoodPointeIrvine.com and www.ThePelicanEstates.com and then listened to the Lakers/Denver game.  Today I go to a friends daughters college graduation.  Tomorrow I spend the day with my father; a veteran of World War Two . . . yes World War Two!

My Dad is a fascinating man who has travelled the world and raised a family after serving in one of the most heinus wars man kind has ever known.  Out of the three choices this weekend, spending time with my father will be the most fitting.  You see, without him, I would not be here.  I think about him as a 17 year old scared Navy Seaman sailing and flying across the Pacific Ocean.  When I was 17, I was playing baseball in the safety of a small beach town called Laguna Beach, known more for it quaint shopping and artists.

What amazes me about my father and all the veterans who have served our nation, is their sort of matter of fact attitude of “that is what we had to do”.  When I was 26 years old, I received a letter from the government thanking me for registering for the draft and I was no longer needed.  I breathed a huge sigh of relief.  My Dads generation are an amazing group; as is the current one protecting us around the world.  The reason for this is that the values of the previous generation have been passed on.  Do not let the tatoos, the nose rings, the designer jeans, the belly piercings fool you.  It is what is inside that matters.

Materialistic symbols will change, but the inner human core, is timeless.  Where does real estate fit into this?  Well, it is timeless; like our heroes who we should remember not only this weekend but every weekend and every day.   Real estate has thoughout history, been the best investment and created more wealth for more people than any other invention.

The better news is that everyone has an oppotunity to gain from it.  It is all relative.  Whether you can buy a one bedroom condo (My first house was a one bedroom condo), or a small detached cottage, you can build a very comfortable investment portfolio.   Even if you are 40 years old, in 20 years your investment, on average, will triple in value.  Now it does depend on what you buy.  If you buy a one bedroom condo, it will not appreciate as much as a 3 bedrooms detached home, however there are ways to hedge yourself by renting a condo and have a tenant carry the property for you.

So on this Memorial Day weekend, be sure to take time to thank those who served so that we could sleep soundly at night and also take time to think about the other security that you can easily provide for you and your family, REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT!

Call me with specific questions at 949-533-2581.

Mike

Posted: May 24th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

American Idol and Real Estate!

Well we have another American Idol Wiinner . . . Kris Allen, the ultimate underdog, has made one of the biggest comebacks in television history!  After 620 million votes, 19 weeks, 100,000 auditions, an extra judge and a bikini girl, Kris Allen is your new American Idol.  The All-American, married boy next-door defeated the glammed-out, leather-clad rocker and is now the eighth champ in the “Idol” kingdom. 

What does this mean to the real estate market?  It means that anyone, yes ANYONE can make it big!  Yes, no matter what race, religion or sex you are, you can make it big time.  All you need is the following:

1. A sound mind to make good decisions - NOT go with fads or trends

2. A “no rules” attitude - In other words be open to ALL options

3. Sufficient down payment or ACCESS to someone with sufficiant down payment

4. A longterm view on your investment - Do not look for a quick buck or return - make a 10 year plan - MINIMUM!

Now here is the Million Dollar question . . . where do you find these deals?  Mike@MichaelDunn.com, yes send me an e-mail and you will get my sound advice. 

Become your won American Idol by investing wisely.  When you invest wisely, the rest of your life becomes very enjoyable because you do not have anything to worry about and you can focus on your hobbies, interests or your larger wants and desires.  As an example, I am really getting back into my workout routine of cardiovascular and body building.  I thotouhgly enjoy working out and getting the most out of my body.  Knowing my investments are growing, let’s me focus on working out much like I did when I was a teenager and my partents were paying for my food and shelter.

Who knows?  I may want to do other things like travel or pick up a musical instrument. 

Mike

Posted: May 20th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

Sherlock Holmes and Real Estate!

In a few day, a new Sherlock Holmes movie will be released.  Sherlock Holmes is the famous British detective who solves mysteries.  Made famous by the 1930s movies starring Basil Rathbourne, the series continues with Robert Downey as Sherlock Holmes.  Mystery movies have always fascinated people and am sure they will continue to be popular.

I look at real estate in much the same way.  Real estate can sometimes be a mystery.  Many people today are shying away from real estate because they do not know what will happen with the economy . . . it is a mystery for them!

Well, that is why Special Agent Dunn is here!  I am here to testify to the fact that I can not only solve the mystery for you but also shine the light of riches for you on whatever real estate goal you have.

You see, for whatever your budget is, there is always a way to make an investment work form you.  You just have to have discipline and think longterm.

I can write about 50 pages on specifics, but I want to keep the blog short and to the point.  So, if you want specific help in achieving your goal, send me an e-mail to Mike@MichaelDunn.com with your specific needs and I will make it happen.

Mike

Posted: May 18th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

Earthquakes in California and Real Estate!

On Sunday night at 8:39PM local Los Angeles time, a magnitude 5 earthquake struck the city of Lennox about 4 milres north of LAX airport.  I noticed that 9 of the top 25 Google searches were for this earthquake.  WOW!  Nice to see Southern California at the top of the search list!

Now I know people are thinking: “See, those weirdos in SoCal are going to fall into the ocean!” 

Folks, take it from me, as a man who lived in Texas and endured countless tornado and thuderstorm warnings, the earthquakes are much easier to deal with than tornadoes and massive thunderstorms.  The earthquekes get more publicity because they are better news fodder.  The truth is that storms, tornadoes cause more damage and human injury that earthquakes every year. 

I was sitting at home typing when it hit and it did get my attention and I admit I stood up and got under the door way; my high school earthquake preparation paid off!  Did it affect the value of my property?  Absolutely not!  In fact, the way I look at it, the sooner the trembler comes the more time before the next one.

The fact of the matter is Calidornia has the most stable weather on earth and unless some drastic changes occur in the world wide weather patterns, it will continue to be the envy of vacationers throughout the world.  I just received 3 calls this week from Saudi Royal family members who wish to come in July and August to get away fom the scorching desert temperatures of the Middle East.  A vacationer from India said Newport Beach is the best place to live on earth and guess what is next to Newport Beach?  Yes, Irvine!

So gather your self and know that the place you invested in is well positioned to keep going up in value even higher as soon as the global economic crises subsides.  In the meantime go to www.MichaelDunn.com or www.ThePelicanEstates.com and search for some great investment opportunities.

Mike

Posted: May 17th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none